Ras in 60 Season 3 Ep 12

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstone of our communities.” -Barack Obama
On September 6th, the Baraka administration and Invest Newark launched a program to help businesses and not-for-profit organizations locate, relocate, or expand their operations in Newark’s burgeoning downtown core.
The program, known as the Newark Retail Reactivation Initiative, aims to support businesses that are looking to bring more retail, cultural, and dining experiences downtown. Populating our downtown space spurs an upward spiral that improves aesthetics, safety, and quality of life in the heart of the city, and turns long vacant storefronts into amenities for Newark residents, workers, and students.
The City and Invest Newark will make low- to no-cost financial assistance available to businesses looking to locate in the focus areas. Business operators will be eligible for up to $650,000 in support, depending on the square footage of the storefront.
Over the summer Audible launched a grant for startups looking to relocate around Harriet Tubman Square Park. Audible is offering startups a $250k relocation grant. After that, we have a second set of guests.
This episode features conversations with both the President and Chief Executive Officer of Invest Newark, Marcus Randolph and Audible’s Vice President of Urban Innovation Aisha Glover.
Later in the show, the owners Markisha and Carlos Swepson of Harlem, New York restaurant BLVD Bistro, will speak about their plans to open a Newark location of their restaurant in the downtown district in the near future.
Also joining this conversation is Anthony Frasier, an awardee of the Audible grant program and the owner of the startup ABF Creative.